Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads.

Written byjoshua becker ·

Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it. It requires a conscious decision because it is a countercultural lifestyle that stands against the culture of overconsumption that surrounds us.

The world we live in is not friendly to the pursuit of minimalism. Its tendencies and relentless advertising campaigns call us to acquire more, better, faster, and newer. The journey of finding simplicity requires consistent inspiration.

For that reason, I hope you will make an effort this weekend to find a quiet moment with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy some of these hand-picked articles to encourage more simplicity in your life.

1 Year, 1 Outfit—365 Days All Done | This Stylish Life by Matt Souveny. It feels so gratifying to get rid of all the extra clutter and it makes you think twice about buying in excess as you realize that some day you’ll need to go through the work of getting rid of it.

Do Fewer Things, More Often | 99u by Allison Stadd. Success often comes from doing a few things extraordinarily well and noticeably better than the competition.

Spoiled Rotten | Boston Magazine by Julie Suratt. Getting what they want, whenever they want it, can undermine children’s learning patience, gratitude, and all those old-fashioned values that help the adults they grow into manage a healthy, responsible, and contented life.

Comments

Another great selection of articles Joshua, as always.
I really like Tsh’s article about questions to ask yourself before buying something. I think a personal list of pre-purchase questions is an excellent way to be more intentional – your own anchor against the tide of consumerism.
Similar to Tsh’s “Would I come back to get it in 24 hours?” question, when I worked in a busy shopping district and found myself tempted to buy things in my lunch break, I never let myself buy anything on impulse – if I still wanted it at the end of the day I could go back and get it after work. I very rarely did.
Even though I know the answer doesn’t lie in things, I do find it very hard to go against that tide consumerism. I’ve developed a number of personal strategies which I share at http://moretimethanmoney.co.nz/tag/fomo/. I’d love to hear others strategies too.

I’m becoming a minimalist & feeling freer & unburdened in every aspect of my life. I’m reminded of how rewarding it’s been whenever I’ve traveled in Europe & had all my gear in my small bag & backpack. The best experience in freedom from stress from carrying around belongings was the 2 weeks in Ukraine & Russia. I took only 4 “outfits”, 4 tops and 4 skirts, However, I only actually wore 2 outfits during the whole two weeks. This was because the local temperatures we’re unusually elevated that month. It was too warm to wear 2 of the outfits. I felt a great freedom & contentment at not having to decide what to wear every day. I alternated between the 2 every day. I wasn’t distracted about what to wear.

Thank you for this weekly tradition – I look forward to it. I’m having a fabulous weekend finishing up projects that have been half-done for too long.

I had to stop reading the Spoiled Rotten article. One of my nieces maintains a very expensive “want” list and it drives me nuts, but it’s not my place to speak up about it. She’s a very sweet, smart girl but on consumerism her teenage self is in with both feet. We needed to get her a scientific calculator ($$, but necessary) and I suggested we check Craigslist first. She burst into tears.

Suggestions are welcome! I try to model being resourceful and carefully considering purchases. She totally understands bringing your own lunch, eating at home, etc. She does volunteer work. Her Dad is a rock star Dad (her mother died several years ago). It’s the STUFF.

Wow. Burst into tears.
Not pointing a finger at all, but that is the level addiction we are at to the constant, new shiny.
I know because I am around a 12 yr old boy who said to me that the new store bought stuff is always better than anything used. He has to have the newest, shiniest available and if by chance he has something that is used it gets treated with contempt as if it is worthless.

Hey graham,
I’m a parent too and I totally understand where you’re coming from, and as parents we want to provide the best/newest/shiniest of everything.
Maybe your son could use a lesson on second hand. He’s old enough to understand that not everyone can afford brand new, so maybe help him find his empathy by living with used clothing or old technology for awhile.

Loved “Are you willing to mess with it?” from The Art of Simple. I made a list of things that I do that are too high maintenance that are driving me crazy. Fountains, plants, holiday decorations . . . no longer willing to mess with. We actually have a stripping paint project still sitting in a corner that neither of us are willing to mess with. Time to let someone else make that decision and get rid of it. Great post!